Drexel Rayford: Press

Drexel Rayford has had many ups and downs throughout his career. A European tour, a band split-up, and several false starts are among the long list of his adventures. But this album clearly shows Drexel on the up swing of the roller coaster.  Along with having an interesting history and an awesome name, Drexel Rayford displays a catchy country style and sensibility, feel-good lyrics, and some nice vocal work in his new album Cherokee Road.

At a first listen, Cherokee Road might be a little too familiar to the listener, with simple stories, common country hooks and harmonies, and an upward jump on every chorus filling the album with a sense of “I’ve been here before.” But a closer listen reveals Drexel Rayford in a very personal, unique place, writing songs about faith, growing up (and the difficulties therein), and relationships with a sincerity and warmth that’s hard to turn away.  There is a playful side to this album, and it reveals itself several times, but none quite so much as with Drexel’s growing up tune “I Wanna Be Bart Starr.” This catchy, upbeat song takes a very common theme, wishing you were somebody else, and elevates it with a great chorus and well-written observations.  “If I could be Bart Starr/then I would be a winner/If I could be Bart Starr/I wouldn’t be who I am.”  Great electric guitar touches, a humorous story, and a memorable chorus make this one of the standout tracks on the album.

The album moves smoothly from track to track, giving us a great picture of Drexel’s talent as a songwriter and performer. “Warmth of Living Light” has some powerful lyrics, with a focus on Drexel’s faith and the beauty of his time with God.  “I have felt You in the quiet/When I set myself aside/I have heard you in the silence/and known the warmth of living light.”  Beautiful strings in the background accentuate the sacredness of the song. “Sunset in Santa Fe” is another catchy, fun tune. Drexel talks about wishing he was in Santa Fe’, enjoying the sunset, and the listener can see Christian Bale singing along with him (for people that haven’t seen Newsies, please ignore that reference.)

“Be Thou My Vision” starts off with a soft, reverential feel, and quickly goes into an Irish-focused beat and tune. It showcases great guitar skills by Drexel, and treats the classic hymn with a solid creative arrangement. The title track, “Cherokee Road,” is another memorable song, with an Elton John-styled piano arrangement and a chorus synth providing a wistful atmosphere for the story of missing family members and friends. “I wish that I could go this Christmas/and leave this place behind/and come and feel the warm glow of your smiles/They give a shimmer to the light on Cherokee Road.”

The most memorable characteristics of Cherokee Road are its personable charm and Drexel’s solid vocals. The songs are familiar in the sense that everyone has felt these emotions before, and Drexel is very good at telling his version. The faith songs are powerful because they are real in Drexel’s life. The album achieves the greatest goal of any singer-songwriter; It gives the listener a feel of who Drexel is as a person.

Warm, cheerful, and full of hopeful lyrics and dynamic performances, Cherokee Road is a friendly, accessible album sure to be an encouragement. The album is full of faith and positive lessons that will give the listener a better focus on how to live their life. Though lyrically shallow in some parts and too familiar in others, Cherokee Road is still a pleasant listen, and Drexel Rayford proves his place as a both a charming personality and a storyteller. 

Review by Bobby Jo Valentine

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)